The Atlantic islands The islands closest to the Canary Islands not only capture attention for their unspoiled natural surroundings, but also for the complex stories hidden behind their solitary landscapes and protected reserves. Recently, the media spotlight has focused on two unique enclaves: the Savage Islands, the scene of a centuries-old international dispute, and the exclusive Alegranza, whose entry remains limited to a select few.
Over the past five centuries, the sovereignty of the Savage Islands It has been a source of disagreement between Spain and Portugal. Located a short distance from Tenerife, this group of islets is characterized by its rugged terrain, with nonexistent water resources and scant vegetation, which has prevented any type of stable colonization. Currently under Portuguese administrationThe Salvajes were declared a nature reserve in the 70s, reinforcing their status as a protected and strategic area.
Portugal bases its dominance on the arrival of the navigator Diogo Gomes in the 15th century, while Spain argues earlier references based on ancient maps and explorations related to the Canary Islands. However, the so-called Tratado de tordesillas did not expressly include the archipelago, leaving a legal vacuum that has given rise to subsequent claims and a constant, albeit low-intensity, diplomatic dispute. In recent decades, the differences have been accentuated by the extension of the Exclusive economic zone Portuguese, which Spain has never validated, calling into question whether they are true islands or simple rock formations according to current international legislation.
In parallel, another unique case develops a few miles from Lanzarote, where joy It emerges as the northernmost island of the Chinijo Archipelago. Completely uninhabited, has belonged to a private family since the mid-20th century, making it a rarity within the Spanish island context. Its inclusion in the Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park and the Northern Islets Reserve reinforces its status as a protected site, requiring double authorization, both institutional and private, to accessFew achieve the necessary approval, consolidating the aura of mystery that surrounds the island.
Despite its isolation, Alegranza had some human activity in the last century, focused on agricultural exploitation, the vestiges of which can still be seen. Today, Punta Delgada lighthouse It remains a symbol of the islet, now automated but declared a Site of Cultural Interest for its historical and architectural significance. However, what truly stands out is the large volcanic crater of La Caldera, visible from the air, along with other smaller geological formations that give the island an unmistakable profile.
The isolation of Alegranza has favored the conservation of important seabird colonies, such as the Cory's shearwater, which has one of the largest populations in all of Macaronesia. It's also a refuge for endangered species or species found almost exclusively in the archipelago, demonstrating how banning mass visits can positively contribute to local biodiversity.
In both the Savage Islands and Alegranza, the combination of historical, legal and environmental factors has created a fragile balance in which human presence is a mere incident, and nature takes center stage. The fact that these territories remain so restricted is not only due to their unique legal status, but also to the desire to preserve some of the least altered landscapes of the Atlantic.
In recent years, the Iberian diplomatic dispute over sovereignty over the Savage Islands has been simmering. On these islets, the influence of the wind, sea, and wildlife predominates over any human activity, creating a nearly untouched ecosystem. To better understand how these conditions affect these territories, you can consult How the trade winds influence the climate of the islandsThese places, though little known to many, are essential for understanding aspects of the geopolitics, conservation, and history of the Atlantic.
